The Infinite Dial

Name:
Spero Dedes

Current Title/Position/Company:
Radio Play-By-Play Announcer/Los Angeles Lakers

How did you get your start in radio?
During my senior year at Fordham University in NY -- with the help of a professor (who is now my agent) -- I was able to land a gig as the sideline reporter for the now-defunct XFL's NY/NJ Hitmen on ABC Radio. It was a chance to work as a professional while still in school. From there, WFAN Radio hired me to work overnight updates. It was my first chance to gain major exposure in the New York market.

What are your career goals?
From the start, one of my career goals was to be the Voice of an NBA team. While I never dreamed it would be for the Lakers, my career has taken me to Los Angeles. From here, the next big jump I hope to take one day would be to the network level, be it in radio or television. But for the forseeable future, I hope to stay in my current position with Lakers for as long as they'll have me. It's just too much fun.

What do you enjoy most about your work?
The spontaneity of it. The anticipation of each game. Walking into the arena, and not knowing what to expect on a nightly-basis. NBA players are so gifted, there is always that chance you'll see something special. And when Kobe Bryant is on the floor every night, there is an "once-in-a-lifetime" feel to my job.

What are the biggest challenges ahead for radio, from your perspective?
As someone who’s still new to this business and still learning, I don't pretend to be an expert in predicting the future. But right now, the onslaught of Satellite Radio seems to be an enormous threat to "terrestrial" radio, and the format we grew-up on. On the most basic level of competition, more content with fewer commercials will always be more appealing to listeners.

What have you learned that you would most like to pass on to your fellow under-thirty-somethings?
I've learned so much since I've been out of school these past 6 years. First and foremost, it's that there's a job out there for all of us -- if we sacrifice. In college, I was warned about the competitive & cut-throat nature of this business, and that "making it" in New York would be nearly impossible. But the industry has exploded. There are so many wonderful jobs out there, so many chances for a young kid to make his/her mark. I say it's a great time to be young & hungry.